INSPIRATEES
Stephen Robinson
( Outrank) Stephen’ s digital marketing business was named the Tees Tech Business of the Year at the 2026 Tees Tech Awards. Now Stephen – the cover star of this edition of Tees Business – has made the prestigious InspiraTees list for the first time, although he’ s always keen to give the credit for Outrank’ s ongoing success to his growing team.
Kimberley Turner
( Double Eleven) The co-CEO of Middlesbrough-based games developers Double Eleven, Kimberley – the Tees Businesswoman of the Year in 2022 – was further honoured at this year’ s Tees Tech Awards when her peers made her the first female Tees Tech Ambassador.
Joanne Smith
( NEPIC) Appearing on the InspiraTees list for the first time, Joanne is the CEO of NEPIC – the North East Process Industry Cluster. Skilled in negotiation, business planning, operations management, coaching and event management, she is also a board trustee at the MFC Foundation.
Steve Southern
( Southern Asset Management) Another debutant is the current Tees Business Leader of the Year and boss of Southern Asset Management, Steve Southern, whose business acumen and openness about mental health issues has proved a powerful combination.
Admitting to an element of“ imposter syndrome” to be in such esteemed business leadership company, Steve said:“ Teesside inspires me. I’ m a Teesside lad but the biggest thing for me is when you see business owners and leaders who actually take the time to help others.
“ You’ ve got what I call sausages – the ones that don’ t give you the time – but proper business leaders will talk to you and direct you in their own time. That’ s leadership.”
INSPIRATHREES
Sarah Thorpe( UKSE)
1. |
John Betts( INDUSTRO) |
2. |
Stephen Robinson |
( Outrank) |
3. |
Sophie McKenna( PoW) |
The voice of business in the Tees region | 27